An interesting obituary, My hats off to his family. Options

[trackbird]

This is brilliant. Bravo to his family for having the courage.

Rest in peace Fred.

http://www.legacy.com/TimesDispatch/DeathN...rsonID=18382676

Frederic Arthur (Fred) Clark
Frederic Arthur (Fred) Clark, who had tired of reading obituaries noting other's courageous battles with this or that disease, wanted it known that he lost his battle as a result of an automobile accident on June 18, 2006. True to Fred's personal style, his final hours were spent joking with medical personnel while he whimpered, cussed, begged for narcotics and bargained with God to look over his wife and kids. He loved his family. His heart beat faster when his wife of 37 years Alice Rennie Clark entered the room and saddened a little when she left. His legacy was the good works performed by his sons, Frederic Arthur Clark III and Andrew Douglas Clark MD, PhD., along with Andy's wife, Sara Morgan Clark. Fred's back straightened and chest puffed out when he heard the Star Spangled Banner and his eyes teared when he heard Amazing Grace. He wouldn't abide self important tight *censored*. Always an interested observer of politics, particularly what the process does to its participants, he was amused by politician's outrage when we lie to them and amazed at what the voters would tolerate. His final wishes were "throw the bums out and don't elect lawyers" (though it seems to make little difference). During his life he excelled at mediocrity. He loved to hear and tell jokes, especially short ones due to his limited attention span. He had a life long love affair with bacon, butter, cigars and bourbon. You always knew what Fred was thinking much to the dismay of his friend and family. His sons said of Fred, "he was often wrong, but never in doubt". When his family was asked what they remembered about Fred, they fondly recalled how Fred never peed in the shower - on purpose. He died at MCV Hospital and sadly was deprived of his final wish which was to be run over by a beer truck on the way to the liquor store to buy booze for a double date to include his wife, Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter to crash an ACLU cocktail party. In lieu of flowers, Fred asks that you make a sizable purchase at your local ABC store or Virginia winery (please, nothing French - the *censored*) and get rip roaring drunk at home with someone you love or hope to make love to. Word of caution though, don't go out in public to drink because of the alcohol related laws our elected officials have passed due to their inexplicable terror at the sight of a MADD lobbyist and overwhelming compulsion to meddle in our lives. No funeral or service is planned. However, a party will be held to celebrate Fred's life. It will be held in Midlothian, Va. Email fredsmemory@yahoo.com for more information. Fred's ashes will be fired from his favorite cannon at a private party on the Great Wicomico River where he had a home for 25 years. Additionally, all of Fred's friend (sic) will be asked to gather in a phone booth, to be designated in the future, to have a drink and wonder, "Fred who?"
Published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 7/9/2006.

[CMC #37]

(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[02midevil]

You gotta love us people in VA (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/drink.gif) .

Fred is the same as an ole man my brother crews for (Salt Racer/Land Speed)

[rpoz-29]

I read that Fred wrote the obituary himself, leaving the "died of" blank. Must have been one heckuva character! The world needs more just like him. And his ashes are really to fired from a cannon.

This post has been edited by rpoz-29: Jul 12 2006, 08:55 PM

[Crazy Canuck]

Fred who ?
interesting reading.

[trackbird]

Fred who ?
interesting reading.

Not sure, I stumbled across the link on another board and figured you guys would enjoy it as well. It wasn't anyone I knew, but I kinda wish I had.

[sgarnett]

My father was a devoutly irreverent man, and he was working as the church secretary when he died a few months ago. One of the ministers that spoke, both friend and former employer, began with, "Many of the stories I could tell about Joe are too risque ... err, risky". That set the tone for the rest of his words. I've never laughed so much at a funeral before, and it was probably the best and most appropriate eulogy I've ever heard. Come to think of it, I need to contact him and see if he still has his notes ....

I had mentioned to the minister at the visitation that I was surprised, relieved, and a little disappointed to discover that the tombstone had already been made years before (with the second date left blank ...), when the plot was purchased. I had been struggling to come up with a suitably respectful but irreverent epitath.

[trackbird]

Sean, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. But it's good to have your outlook (and Freds). Don't get me wrong, funerals are no fun, but the usual grieving, somber, etc, atmosphere seems to make things that much worse in my opinion (my aunt died a few weeks ago and planned her own funeral, hymns and all). If you can celebrate someones life, laugh, and remember the good times, it seems so much more healthy for everyone involved. I can appreciate your fathers thoughtfulness in already having his stone done, it's too bad you didn't get a chance to add your thoughts.

[sgarnett]

For the visitation, we provided the last CDs that Dad had recorded (a set of two) to be played softly in liu of the usual organ music. I found two funeral home employees sitting in an office listening to it with the volume cranked up (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[trackbird]

That's very cool. I'm guessing your dad was a musician?

[00 SS]

My favorite head stone I've ever seen.

Here lies Lester Moore
four slugs from a 44
No Les, no Moore.

[rpoz-29]

In this morning's Times Dispatch, Fred's son's mentioned that he was always complaining about the cost of raising a child being $140,000+. After his death, both boys wrote him a check in that amount and placed it in his coffin. (box?) He is being cremated.

[sgarnett]

That's very cool. I'm guessing your dad was a musician?

Among many other talents ....